The Edmonton Elks signed quarterback Obadiah Jones, wide receivers Hunter Brown and Travis Rudolph, offensive linemen Desmond Bessent, Lyndell Hudson II, Alexander Hall, and defensive back Kyle Cass on Monday.
Obadiah Jones is six foot two and weighs 220 pounds. The 23-year-old from Tatum, Texas, played four seasons at Southern Arkansas University (2019, 2021-23) completing 331 of 518 passes (64%) for 3,963 yards, 29 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 348 carries for 1,955 yards, 30 touchdowns, one punt for 16 yards, and one tackle (1 solo) in 40 games for the Muleriders.
In 2023, Jones completed 176 of 277 passes (64%) for 1,903 yards, 13 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 165 carries for 1,025 yards, 17 touchdowns, and one tackle (1 solo) in 12 games. Jones was named an All-GAC Honorable Mention in 2019.
Hunter Brown is six foot one and weighs 211 pounds. The 24-year-old from Brampton, Ontario, played four seasons at Carleton University (2020-23) making 32 catches for 556 yards, six touchdowns, one carry for seven yards, and one tackle (1 assist) in 15 games for the Ravens. In 2023, Brown made 30 catches for 497 yards, six touchdowns, one carry for seven yards, and one tackle (1 assist) in eight games.
Travis Rudolph is six foot and weighs 187 pounds. The 28-year-old from West Palm Beach, Florida, signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2017. He played one season in New York making eight catches for 101 yards in seven games. Rudolph also spent time with the Miami Dolphins and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
On October 24, 2023, Rudolph signed with the Orlando Guardians. However, the Guardians were not included in the XFL and USFL merger forming the United Football League (UFL) and went unclaimed in the 2024 UFL Dispersal Draft.
Collegiately, Rudolph played three seasons at Florida State (2014-16) making 153 catches for 2,311 yards, 18 touchdowns, one tackle (1 solo), and one forced fumble in 36 games for the Seminoles. He was named Second Team All-ACC by the Media and Coaches in 2016.
Desmond Bessent is six foot seven and weighs 305 pounds. The 25-year-old from Tampa, Florida, signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as a free agent on May 10, 2023, attending training camp before being released on June 4, 2023.
Collegiately, Bessent played six games in three seasons at San Diego State University (2018-21). He was a backup left tackle to preseason all-Mountain West selection Zachary Thomas.
Then, Bessent transferred University of Buffalo in 2022 starting 13 games at right tackle for the Bulls. He helped block for an offense that ranked in the top five in the conference in scoring offense (28.5), total offense (377.2), and passing offense (235.3). Bessent was named All-MAC Third Team.
Lyndell Hudson II is six foot five and weighs 325 pounds. The 24-year-old from Brooksville, Florida, played four seasons at Florida International (2018-21) playing right tackle in 36 games for the Panthers. In 2020, FIU’s offense helped pave the way for running back D’vonte Price, who led C-USA and ranked 11th in the nation for his 6.84 yards average yards per carry. Then, Hudson transferred to Florida in 2023 playing right tackle in seven games for the Gators.
Alexander Hall is six foot three and weighs 300 pounds. The 24-year-old from Ottawa, Ontario, played four seasons at Concordia University (2019-20, 2022-23). In 2023, the Stingers’ offense ranked first in the RSEQ with an average of 6.4 yards per carry. In addition, the Stingers averaged 371.1 total yards per game and 236.1 passing yards per game.
Kyle Cass is six foot two and weighs and weighs 195 pounds. The 25-year-old from New Orleans, Louisiana, played two seasons at Mississippi Delta Community College (2018-19) with 65 tackles (52 solo, 13 assists), four tackles for loss, one interception for 36 yards, and six pass breakups in 17 games for the Trojans.
Next, Cass transferred to Mississippi State (2020-21) appearing in one game recording no stats for the Bulldogs. Then, he transferred to Troy University in 2022 with 13 tackles (11 solo, 2 assists), one tackle for loss, one interception, and four pass breakups in 13 games for the Trojans.
Cass concluded his collegiate career at Valdosta State University in 2023 with 21 tackles (12 solo, 9 assists), 1.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions for six yards, and 11 pass breakups in nine games for the Blazers.
